Varick Street Shooting: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

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Two people have been shot outside of an immigration court in Manhattan. One of the victims is a federal officer. The gunfire broke out in the Federal Immigration Courthouse at around 5:20 p.m. on the afternoon of August 21.

2. Police Are Calling it a ‘Random Shooting’

According to the Wall Street Journal, investigating officers are calling the shooting “random.” The status of the security officer is unknown at this point. He’s being treated at the Lennox Hill Heath Complex along 7th Avenue in Manhattan, that street has been shut down as a result.

3. The Shooting Is Causing Commuting Mayhem

Major traffic delays are ongoing in the area, with the Holland tunnel also affected during Friday’s rush hour. NBC New York reports that the public are being advised to avoid the area until further notice as there is an extensive emergency operation underway along Varick Street. The 1 subway train is bypassing Houston Street.

4. Buildings in the Area Remain on Lockdown

CBS New York reports that the federal building remains on lockdown. The federal immigration court is located at 201 Varick Street in Soho, Lower Manhattan. It intersects with Houston Street. According to the court’s official website, the last hearing is at 5 p.m. The gunfire broke out after that hour. A post office is also housed in the building. There 12 stories in the complex that features Department of Justice and Department of Labor offices.

5. A Witness to the Shooting Suffered a Heart Attack

The FDNY says that another person was taken to a nearby hospital after he had a heart attack during the shooting.